Brian Graham

Brian Gerard Graham was born on November 18, 1978, in Nacogdoches, Texas, and moved to Springfield, Missouri in 1979. During his life in Springfield, he formed enduring bonds within the community. Brian peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 13, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and friends at his parents’ home in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 45.

Brian was an outgoing and kind-hearted friend to everyone he met. He had a remarkable way of greeting everyone with a warm smile, handshake, or hug.

From infancy, Brian’s education was always driven by his parents' unwavering commitment to his development. In 1999, Brian proudly graduated from Glendale High School, where he was a member of the inaugural B.A.S.E. (Business Associated Student Education) class.

Brian always enjoyed being a part of the community. He volunteered in the Central Supply Department at Cox South Hospital during high school and began employment there after graduation. After several years at Cox, Brian transitioned to Employment Solutions, where he worked diligently for over 16 years. His retirement on September 1,
2023, was a beautiful celebration in the company of family, friends, and co-workers.

Brian faithfully attended St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Over the course of 20 years, he volunteered in various roles at SEAS. Brian took pride in being a lector, restocking envelopes, and folding the bulletins for Children’s Liturgy. His dedication to serving others through the church was a testament to those around him.

Brian always loved dogs, especially the family dog, Lucy.

From a young age, Brian felt music deep in his soul. Whether he was singing along to his favorite Elvis Presley songs, hymns at church, or the theme songs of his favorite movies and TV shows, he made everyone around him smile at the sight of him moving along to the music. Recently, Brian regularly participated in music therapy at his
apartment. During these sessions, his home was filled with the joyful sounds of all of his favorite songs. The happiness he experienced during these sessions was a testament to the profound impact music had on his life.

Although he played many sports throughout the years, swimming was a favorite lifelong activity. Because of the commitment of his parents and some very special people in his life, Brian was able to get immense joy out of being in the water until the very end.

The role that brought Brian the most joy in life was that of being “Uncle B” to his five nieces and two nephews. He also cherished his role as godfather to his niece, Audrey.

Three years ago, Brian was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and more recently, with Parkinson’s Disease and experienced a significant decline in the past several months.

Brian was preceded in death by his older unborn brother, Matthew as well as his paternal and maternal grandparents, Thomas and Ruth Graham, and Wilmer and Florence Zimmermann.

Brian is survived by his loving parents, Ralph and Laura Graham, his three cherished sisters and their spouses, Amanda (Collin) Willson, Jessica (Ryan) Sunnenberg, and Mary (Mark) Blair. He is also remembered by his dear nieces and nephews: Caleb and Amelia Willson; Audrey, Ava, and Sara Sunnenberg; and Madelyn and Henry
Blair.

Brian’s family would like to extend sincere thanks to Integrity Home Healthcare and Hospice (with immense appreciation for Diana, Brian’s Hospice nurse and Sharon, who provided pet therapy); Home Instead Caregivers; Morgan from The Center for Music Therapy and Wellness; the staff at Chesterfield Family Center and specifically, to Sean, Brian’s personal trainer.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests for donations to be made to Alzheimer’s Association of Springfield: https://www.alz.org/greatermissouri?form=FUNSETYDEFK , Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks: https://client.customdonations.com/securepay/dsgo/ , or Champion Athletes of Springfield: https://championathletes.networkforgood.com/projects/97407-champion-athletes-of-the-ozarks

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Monday, June 24, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Springfield, Missouri. The Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield, Missouri.

Livestream on SEAS Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@saintelizabethannsetonSGF

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home in Springfield, Missouri.